Green wedding

Are you dreaming of a green wedding?

Tying the knot is often a big deal these days, with happy couples in Norfolk splashing out on piles of new clothes, mounds of food and reams of paper.

But getting married doesn't have to cost the earth - or contribute to topping up landfill. By planning a "greener" event, your big day could be as environmentally friendly as it is fun.

Instead of buying new clothes you are never likely to wear again, how about hiring your wedding dress, suit or other outfits - or buying second-hand?

You could try ebay (www.ebay.co.uk) or freecycle (www.freecycle.org.uk)

Norfolk charity Big C has more than 300 dresses and other wedding clothes at its shop on Timber Hill, in Norwich.

Here you'll find clothes that have never been worn before - sometimes worth thousands of pounds - as well as beautiful garments that had just one outing.

These are all at very reasonable prices and the proceeds go to a good cause.

For more information call 01603 619900 or visit www.thebigcappeal.co.uk

There are lots of other charity shops in Norfolk - see Yellow Pages for details.

Wedding meals for high numbers of guests can mean lots of additional kitchen waste.

Here are some tips you could consider:

- Try to use seasonal, locally grown produce, which often reduces the amount of packaging.

- Check that all waste vegetable matter is composted by the caterer in his or her own kitchen at the preparation stage.

- Also ensure that traditional plates, cutlery and glasses are used rather than disposable items - paper and plastic will just fill up the bin.

How about printing your invitations, orders of service and other material on recycled paper? Ring round companies in your area for quotes. There are lots of companies out there that may be able to help - try the Yellow Pages for details. One firm that has won awards for its green approach to printing is Anglia Printing Services. As well as using recycled paper, they also use biodegradable, non toxic inks. Try 01502 715551 or visit www.angliaprint.co.uk

A wedding wouldn't be a wedding without a toast to the happy couple - but what will happen to all those empty bottles and cans? When booking a venue ask if they can recycle your empties.

It's always exciting opening the gifts but the newly weds often end up with lots of unwanted items.

If you already have plenty of household accessories etc, you could ask guests to make a donation to your favourite charity or buy vouchers.

If there are items you would like, how about considering a green wedding list, where everything is made from recycled materials?

Are you planning to get to your wedding by car?

You could always consider a much greener alternative.

Walking through the streets followed by your wedding party can be fun - or how about a traditional horse and carriage?

Harleston-based Classic Carriages, for example, has two open landaus and a glass carriage.

For more information call 01986 788619 or visit www.classic-carriages.co.uk

And don't forget your honeymoon too, how about going away on the train instead of on a plane?